The importance of soil organic matterKey to
drought-resistant soil and sustained food production

Soil organic matter - the product of on-site biological
decomposition - affects the chemical and physical properties of the soil and its
overall health. Its composition and breakdown rate affect: the soil structure
and porosity; the water infiltration rate and moisture holding capacity of
soils; the diversity and biological activity of soil organisms; and plant
nutrient availability. This Soils Bulletin concentrates on the organic
matter dynamics of cropping soils and discusses the circumstances that deplete
organic matter and their negative outcomes. It then moves on to more proactive
solutions. It reviews a "basket" of practices in order to show how they can
increase organic matter content and discusses the land and cropping benefits
that then accrue.